Kentucky Derby Pedigree Profile: Hidden Stash

Sometimes, we examine the breeding of a Kentucky Derby (G1) contender and think to ourselves, “No complaints about this pedigree.”

Such is the impression generated by the bloodlines of Hidden Stash, a $50,000 yearling acquisition who qualified for the “Run for the Roses” in a trio of Road to the Kentucky Derby prep races.

Hidden Stash is from the second crop of foals sired by Constitution, one of the hottest young stallions in North America.

The winner of the Florida Derby (G1) and Donn H. (G1) at 1 1/8 miles, Constitution has already sired a bevy of stakes winners, led by Tiz the Law, who won the 2020 Belmont (G1) and was runner-up in the 2020 Kentucky Derby.

Many of Constitution’s best runners have excelled at one mile or farther, as is reflected by the fact that his progeny win at an average distance of 7.2 furlongs — a solid rating for such a young stallion.

Constitution’s budding reputation as a sire of two-turn stars is understandable, when you consider he is a son of Tapit, out of a mare by Distorted Humor. Tapit is a source of stamina already responsible for three winners of the 1 1/2-mile Belmont, while Distorted Humor has sired Belmont victor Drosselmeyer and champion three-year-old Funny Cide, who won the Kentucky Derby and Preakness (G1).

Hidden Stash’s dam, Making Mark Money, wasn’t much of a racehorse. She finished second in her lone start, a 5 1/2-furlong sprint at Beulah Park. Making Mark Money’s dam, Kapsiki, also wasn't an accomplished runner. She finished seventh in her only run at Belmont Park.

But their sires are worthy of attention. Making Mark Money is a daughter of Smart Strike, a two-time leading sire, best known for siring champions Curlin (a two-time Horse of the Year and Preakness winner), English Channel (victorious in the Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Turf), and Lookin At Lucky (another Preakness winner).

Stamina is a strong suit for descendants of Smart Strike, who has also developed a reputation as an elite broodmare sire. Daughters of Smart Strike have produced a bevy of Grade 1 winners, led by Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird, and even Making Mark Money has contributed in a small way, through Hidden Stash and Stylitude, a two-time winner at one mile against claiming company.

As for Kapsiki, she is a daughter of Danzig, the acclaimed stallion who sired 200 stakes winners, according to Claiborne Farm. Preakness winner Pine Bluff, Canadian Triple Crown winner Dance Smartly, and Kentucky Derby runner-up Hard Spun are the best of the lot, while Danzig’s record as a broodmare sire is highlighted by Kentucky Derby winner Fusaichi Pegasus.

Hidden Stash might not be the most accomplished horse in the 2021 Kentucky Derby field, but his pedigree is packed with classic influences. Racing 1 1/4 miles on the first Saturday in May is unlikely to be an obstacle from a breeding standpoint.